Author: KESQ

Luis Avila

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – Unseasonably warm temperatures are bringing an early taste of summer to the Coachella Valley, prompting local officials to remind residents and visitors to balance outdoor fun with heat safety.

Despite the warmer weather, business owners say the early heat is also boosting local businesses, including PS Surf Club, where visitors are taking advantage of the sunshine.

Hiking — typically one of the most popular winter activities across the valley — is also seeing steady turnout. However, officials caution that warmer-than-normal temperatures can increase the risk of dehydration and heat-related illness, even in February.

Safety experts recommend hikers:

Start early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid peak heat.

Carry at least one liter of water per hour of activity.

Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and sun protection, including hats and sunscreen.

Take frequent breaks in shaded areas.

Let someone know your hiking plans before heading out.

With a few simple precautions, authorities say residents and visitors can continue to safely enjoy outdoor recreation and local attractions.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Athena Jreij

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) – After a 62-year-old woman was hit and killed earlier this week at Highway 111 and Frank Sinatra Drive, some residents are raising concerns about the intersection’s safety.

News Channel 3 dug deeper into the story and found a string of recent deaths and major injury accidents at the roadway.

On January 1, 2025, a 76-year-old cyclist was hit and killed by a car. The Riverside Sheriff’s Office say there was also a major injury traffic collision involving a pedestrian last year. Officials say 2023 saw a fatal crash, along with a 2022 major injury crash. In 2019, a 26-year-old Indio man was also killed while crossing the road.

Rancho Mirage doesn’t have a CV Link pathway through the city, meaning cyclists have to use Highway 111 and jump back on the route in Palm Desert. With only 2 out of the 4 crosswalks paved and no bike lanes through the intersection, News Channel 3 reached out to Rancho Mirage officials for more information.

Residents in the area agree fast cars and a lot of pedestrians can make conditions scary.

“It’s part of just, you know, the road traffic, a lot of traffic. People definitely do drive fast down this road, and, I think a lot of tourists who aren’t familiar with the area,” Eddie Franz Jr., of Rancho Mirage said.

City officials told News Channel in a statement that investigators often found pedestrians to be at fault in certain situations.

“In the 2019 incident, the pedestrian was walking in the roadway outside of the marked crosswalk and was determined to be at fault. In last year’s collision involving a bicyclist, investigators found that the cyclist entered the intersection against a red light. The driver was not cited. In the most recent incident, the pedestrian was crossing Highway 111 east of the marked crosswalk in an area where signage clearly prohibits crossing. That investigation remains ongoing.”

Officials went on to say,

“Highway 111 is a major arterial roadway, and the City continues to strongly encourage all pedestrians and cyclists to use the designated crosswalks and traffic control features provided, and to exercise caution when crossing. While these incidents are tragic, the findings to date do not indicate a pattern related to roadway design or traffic operations at this intersection that would warrant changes to traffic patterns at this time.

We continuously monitor traffic data and safety trends along Highway 111, and if conditions indicate a need for additional measures, we would evaluate those accordingly.”

Stick with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage on the road’s safety.

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Jesus Reyes

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – The Palm Desert Aquatic Center’s lap pool reopening has been pushed back due to issues with equipment manufacturing and delivery timelines, officials announced.

City officials said the lap pool, which was originally scheduled to open in February, is now expected to reopen in early-to-mid April.

All major equipment — including three new heaters — have been delivered. Construction in the equipment room is expected to be completed by mid-to-late March, followed by system startup and inspection by the Riverside County Health Department.

For the recreation amenities, replacement pumps and motors for the splash pad and water slides were ordered in early February. Updated manufacturer shipping timelines now place delivery in late April, with installation and operational readiness anticipated in May.

According to the facility’s website, recreational swimming is scheduled to return in June 2026.

Phased Reopening Plan:• Lap Pool: Target reopening early-to-mid April• Recreation Pool: Open in April as needed based on demand• Splash Pad & Water Slides: Expected to open in May following equipment installation

This phased approach ensures reliable operations and helps prevent temporary closures due to aging equipment, city officials said.

The lap pool has been closed since September due to issues with the facility’s filtration system. The facility was fully closed in November to allow for a major renovation project.

For regular updates on the pump room construction project, visit engagepalmdesert.com/pool.

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Jesus Reyes

MECCA, Calif. (KESQ) – Four hikers in a group of eight were rescued today of possible dehydration near the Ladder Canyon Trail near the community of Mecca.   

The rescue was reported shortly before 3:30 p.m. Thursday east of Mecca, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.   

The agency stated that a helicopter hoisted the four individuals out of the area.

It was unclear if any injuries were reported.

A hiker was rescued on the same trail last week after a medical emergency.

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Dakota Makinen

PALM DESERT, Calif (KESQ) – The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens has earned three nominations in USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards: Best Zoo, Best Exhibit for its Australian Adventures habitat, and Best Zoo Membership.

This national honor reflects the Zoo’s commitment to exceptional animal care, educational opportunities, and impactful conservational programs that aim to protect species both locally and globally. The Living Desert’s mission is to introduce new audiences to the significance of desert conservation and to the zoo’s continued efforts with threatened and endangered species.

2026 Best Zoo Nomination The Living Desert is home to over 600 animals representing more than 130 species, all of which are desert-adapted or desert-specialist species. Each year, the Zoo welcomes more than half a million guests, providing hands-on experiences that create lifelong connections between people and wildlife.

2026 Best Exhibit Nomination: Australian Adventures Spanning nearly an acre, Australian Adventures is an AZA-accredited, walk-through habitat where guests step into the Australian outback to meet iconic native wildlife, including the only breeding mob of yellow-footed rock wallabies in any U.S. zoo. Nationally recognized for animal welfare, the exhibit features climate-controlled spaces, authentic landscapes, native Australian plants, and immersive animal encounters that bring Australia to Southern California

2026 Best Zoo Membership Nomination: A Living Desert membership stands out as one of the nation’s best by delivering endless adventure and real value. Members enjoy unlimited daytime visits for a full year, exclusive access to members-only events and programming, and receive two guest passes to introduce friends and family to the wonders of the desert. Added perks like discounts at zoo dining spots and the gift shop make it the ultimate way to support wildlife while enjoying year-round perks and experiences.

In the past ten years, the Zoo has garnered multiple 10Best nominations and premier accolades, including four straight Top Zoo awards, a Top Exhibit distinction, and ongoing recognition for its membership program and botanical garden.

Voting is open now through Monday, March 9, 2026. To submit your daily vote, visit: LivingDesert.org/BestZoo26 and LivingDesert.org/BestHabitat26.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Shay Lawson

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ)  – Fairgoers attending the Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival are finding more than rides and cinnamon rolls this year. They’re also finding free adoptable dogs.

Riverside County Animal Services has set up an on-site adoption truck with air conditioning, giving families the chance to meet dogs ready for new homes.

Stephanie Castaneda, supervising animal services counselor, said they’ve brought dogs that have been waiting at the shelter the longest.

“All the dogs that we’re bringing are spay/neuter,” Castaneda said. “They’re fully vaccinated. They’re ready to go.”

She said many of the dogs are shepherd mixes.

“We’re just trying to get them seen by families and people coming into the fair with their kids,” Castaneda said.

Over the past two weekends, Castaneda said there’s been 43 adoptions.

“The first weekend on Saturday, we actually got all our dogs adopted,” Castaneda said. “We’re hoping to do that again this upcoming Saturday.”

Animal Services is at the fair Thursday and Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Beyond adoptions, Castaneda said the booth also connects residents with volunteer and foster opportunities, especially with kitten season approaching.

“We’ve gained a lot of volunteers in the past few weekends,” Castaneda said. “A lot of people are going to the shelter to help the animals there.”

Raffi Frensley, marketing manager for the fair, said partnerships like this reflect the fair’s broader mission.

“Any time that we can make a space for groups like that whether it’s Animal Services, community services or outreach, these are all things that we want,” said Frensley. “We have an audience here. What better way to tap into that audience than showing up here and really connecting to where people are?”

Stay with News Channel 3 for the full story at 10 p.m. and 11 p.m.

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City News Service

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Construction is slated to begin Monday on more than $7.5 million in improvements to Demuth Park in Palm Springs, city officials announced this week.

“This project reflects our long-term commitment to improving park access, safety and amenities for residents and visitors alike,” Nicholas Gonzalez, the city’s Parks and Recreation director, said in a statement. “Demuth Park is a cornerstone of our community, and these upgrades will ensureit continues to serve families, athletes and pet owners for decades to come.”  

Construction components will include the following:  

— the addition of a permanent large dog park with ADA parking spaces;   — the addition of a small dog park;   — conversion of an existing 2.2-acre dirt lot into a 165-stall paved parking lot with drainage improvements;   — paving of the community center parking lot;   — pavement and drainage repairs at the Little League parking lots;   — sidewalk and pathway restoration;   — construction of a new restroom building.  

This project was planned for more than five years by the city’s Engineering Services Department, in coordination with the Parks and Recreation Department, and is anticipated to conclude in October.

Funding was provided by Land and Water Conservation Fund grant, Measure J funds, Capital Improvement funds and Quimby funds.   

During construction, both dogs parks at Demuth Park will be closed and residents are encouraged to visit the David H. Ready Palm Springs dog park, at 222 N. Civic Drive.

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City News Service

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) – The fifth annual Veterans Fishing Derby will be held this weekend at Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park in La Quinta, with proceeds from a trout fishing tournament to benefit local veterans’ organizations.

“This is an event that we help organize to bring veterans and the community out to Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park,” county Supervisor Manuel Perez said in a statement. “With free admission on Saturday, this is an opportunity for all to see this beautiful place right here in our valley, which is even greater with the new renovation! We are honored to host this annual tradition that brings people together to celebrate and support our heroes.”  

Gates will open at 5:30 a.m. Saturday, with the fishing derby to run from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at 58075 Jefferson St. The last measurement will take place at 11:30 a.m. and a prize ceremony will be held at noon.

Entrance to the park and fishing will be free, except there will be a $5 cash entry fee for the derby for non-veterans.   

Yellow Mart will provide 4,000 pounds of trout for the derby, and Desert Recreation District will bring equipment for people to play basketball and pickleball games on the park’s new courts, officials said.

The event, which started in 2021, will be hosted by the Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District, the American Legion Herman Granados Post 739 in Indio, Perez and the Fourth District Veterans Cabinet and the Desert Recreation District.

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Julia Castro

Desert Hot Springs, Calif. (KESQ) — An apartment fire at the Casa del Sol Apartments in Desert Hot Springs impacted multiple units and prompted assistance from the American Red Cross, officials said.

Cal Fire crews responded late Wednesday night to the complex near Ocotillo Road and 4th Street. Authorities said the fire started in one apartment unit and spread to a neighboring unit before crews brought it under control.

No injuries were reported, and officials said all residents were safely evacuated. Fire crews completed searches of the affected buildings and confirmed no one was missing.

Authorities said at least eight apartment units were affected by fire.

A total number of displaced residents has not yet been confirmed.

Palm Springs fire crews assisted during the response.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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